Biomechanical Optimization Device

ABSTRACT

A biomechanical optimization device is provided. There is an adjustable frame, a plurality of resistance bands and a motorless treadmill. One end of a resistance band attaches to a user and the other end anchors to the frame. This allows the user to engage with and move the belt of the motorless treadmill. By attaching resistance bands to various parts of the user&#39;s body and anchoring the resistance bands to the frame at various positions and angles, the user is able to focus on strengthening or rehabilitating certain muscle groups.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to biomechanical apparatuses, and more particularly, to a biomechanical optimization device for optimizing the physical motion of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of biomechanical devices are known in the art and are an effective means for assisting an individual with various forms of physical exercise, therapy and/or rehabilitation. Examples of such devices may include exercise weights, resistance bands, exercise balls, treadmills, exercise bikes, among others. Such devices are commonly used to help rehabilitate and individual after an injury to prevent further injury and promote healing and overall improve the individual's health.

One problem with current biomechanical devices is the limitation of one specific application. For example, an individual with a leg injury would need a specific type of device that would be different from an individual with a shoulder injury. Likewise, an individual with a back or neck injury that needed rehabilitation would need separate and specific devices that would not be compatible necessarily.

Another problem with current biomechanical devices is the improper training of motion to an individual with an injury. For example, an individual with a leg injury may walk with a limp for comfort and ease of movement which after time could permanently affect the individual's gait.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a biomechanical optimization device that can assist a user with optimizing correct physical motion through strength training or therapy and/or rehabilitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure of the present application is a biomechanical optimization device comprising a motorless treadmill surrounded by an adjustable frame. The motorless treadmill has a flat surface where a user engages with and moves the treadmill by attaching a series of resistance bands on one end to the user's body and the other end to the adjustable frame.

The adjustable frame includes a series of posts and beams that connect to form a structure surrounding the treadmill. The beams attach to each of the posts to provide structural stability and hold the posts in place. Each post has at least two adjustable anchors. Each anchor can be used to connect one end of a resistance band and adjust the angle of the resistance band relative to the user.

The biomechanical optimization device includes a variety of straps and harnesses to connect resistance bands from the user to the frame. The user can focus on training or rehabilitating a certain area of the body or muscle group by adjusting the position, angle, and tension of the resistance band relative to the frame. The resistance provided by the resistance bands allows the user to move the motorless treadmill belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a biomechanical optimization device of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates a resistance band in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 and demonstrates various ways in which a user may use the device.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. There are also representative examples of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numeral refers to the same elements in all figures.

The present invention provides a biomechanical optimization device that allows a user to optimize physical motion for strength training or rehabilitation. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a biomechanical optimization device. In one embodiment, there is an adjustable frame 10, a plurality of resistance bands 20 and a motorless treadmill 30.

The frame 10 has a plurality of posts 14 and a plurality of beams 16. Each beam 16 is connected to a post 14 on one end and another post 14 on the other end. This provides structural stability to the frame 10 and holds the posts 14 in place while the biomechanical optimization device is in use. The posts 14 may move up and down to raise or lower the overall height of the frame 10. Likewise, the beams 16 may be adjustable in length to narrow or widen the frame 10 according to a desired size.

Along each post 14 are at least two adjustable anchors 12 that are configured to move up and down along the post 14. Each anchor 12 is configured to secure one end of a resistance band 20 and provide a means for angling the other end of the resistance band 20 to optimize a user's physical motion. The anchors 12 can be used in combination by adjusting their positioning relative to each other to either adjust the angle of the resistance band 20 relative to the user or to adjust the tension of the resistance band 20 to accommodate the user's particular needs. Alternatively, the anchors 12 can be used individually by separate users for a variety of different exercises as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

One of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the motorless treadmill 30 has a substantially flat surface. When the user is attached to a resistance band 20 at an appropriate angle for optimizing motion, the user can engage the flat surface of the treadmill 30 and move the treadmill belt 32 without the assistance of a motor or gravity which is typically employed in other treadmills as a means for moving the treadmill. The flat surface treadmill 30 allows the user to engage in various exercises that otherwise would be dangerous or difficult if attempted with a traditional motorized treadmill. For example, if the user were to lose his or her balance the treadmill belt 32 would stop rotating almost immediately preventing the user from being launched off the end of the treadmill 30 which is a common problem with motorized treadmills during use.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a resistance band 20 which may be utilized with the biomechanical optimization device. It should be appreciated that various types of resistance bands 20 may be appropriate depending on the user's particular use and application. The resistance bands 20 may vary in size, length, and tension to accommodate different forms of physical motion.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the biomechanical optimization device as it may be used by a user. As shown, a plurality of users may use the device simultaneously and the device's purpose and function may be different for each user. This allows each user to customize and tailor the experience and use case for the user's particular needs. Another benefit to allowing multiple users of the device is for space and cost efficiency. One device could serve to train or rehabilitate up to eight or more users without the need for a separate device.

Various straps and harnesses may be used with the biomechanical optimization device to facilitate various strength and rehabilitation exercises. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a body harness and a waist harness. The harnesses are configured to focus resistance on certain areas of the user's body. The harnesses may also reduce weight or resistance on certain areas to assist in rehabilitation for example in the case of a user with a particular injury. By reducing the user's dependency on an injured part of the body, the user can train proper technique and physical motion without the risk of exacerbating the injury.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A biomechanical optimization device, comprising: a motorless treadmill having a treadmill belt and configured to receive a user; a frame surrounding the motorless treadmill, the frame having: a plurality of posts configured to stabilize the frame to a surface; and a plurality of beams, each beam having a first end and a second end and wherein each beam connects to a first post at the first end and a second post at the second end; a plurality of resistance bands, each resistance band having a first end and a second end and configured to connect to either a post or a beam at the first end and the user at the second end; and wherein the plurality of resistance bands provide resistance to the user's physical motion allowing the user to move the treadmill belt.
 2. The biomechanical optimization device of claim 1, wherein each post of the plurality of posts is adjustable in length thereby raising or lowering the overall height of the frame.
 3. The biomechanical optimization device of claim 1, wherein each beam of the plurality of beams is adjustable in length thereby narrowing or widening the overall width of the frame.
 4. The biomechanical optimization device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anchors disposed along the length of each post of the plurality of posts and wherein each anchor of the plurality of anchors is configured to receive the first end of a resistance band and angle the resistance band relative to the user.
 5. The biomechanical optimization device of claim 4, wherein each anchor of the plurality of anchors is adjustable along the length of a post. 